In its first reaction to the arrival of GCC forces, including Saudi, to Bahrain, the Bahraini opposition considered on Monday this development as a "declaration of war and occupation" of the country. The opposition said that any foreign intervention in Bahrain is a declaration of war and a "blatant occupation".

The Shiite opposition also called the international community and the U.N. Security Council to "protect civilians" from the risk of foreign military intervention."

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday there is a need to meet the demands of the majority of the Bahraini people and denounced the intervention to "suppress the people at their home."

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Ramin Mehmanparast said in a statement to Al-Alam TV news Monday evening: "There is a need to respect the demands of the Bahraini people." He added the only non-violent solution to the current crisis is to meet the demands of the majority in Bahrain.

He added: "We must support the popular forces. Governments should take care of the situations of their peoples and not to allow foreign elements to interfere and oppress the people at their home," asserting that the sons of the Bahraini people are the ones who must solve their problems with the government.